A fire broke out aboard the Japanese minesweeper JS Ukushima off the coast of Japan, leading to one missing sailor and raising concerns about the vessel potentially sinking.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) reported that the blaze, accompanied by several explosions, erupted in the engine room of the JS Ukushima at 9:40 AM today while the ship was traveling roughly 2 kilometers north of Oshima Island in Fukuoka Prefecture.

The incident occurred as the vessel was en route to Shibushi Port in Kagoshima Prefecture in preparation for an upcoming exercise. There were 45 crew members aboard at the time. One sailor went missing, while another was hospitalized due to smoke inhalation but is in stable condition. Two personnel were present in the engine room when the fire started.

The blaze incapacitated the JS Ukushima, forcing the crew to evacuate to a nearby vessel. Footage released by NHK showed smoke billowing from the ship's funnel, with rescue personnel deployed on the deck. JMSDF Commander Akira Saito stated that as of 8:30 PM, rescue teams were still battling the fire, with investigations underway to determine its cause. He also warned of the risk of the JS Ukushima sinking if the fire remains uncontrolled, noting that no JMSDF naval vessel has ever sunk due to a fire.

"We are making every effort to extinguish the blaze and locate the missing crew member," Admiral Saito said.

The JS Ukushima, a Sugashima-class minesweeper, entered service with the JMSDF in 2003. The vessel measures 57 meters in length, nearly 10 meters in width, has a top speed of 26 km/h, and a full load displacement of 650 tons. It is equipped with radar, sonar, and a 20-mm cannon. Japan has built a total of 12 Sugashima-class minesweepers, with one decommissioned in 2020.

(According to Reuters, NHK)

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